How I encourage community participation (2) -
Author: Rebecca Allwood & Jane Terry
Magazine issue: Winter 2010
Page numbers: 30-32
Date: 30 November 2010
URL: /content/files/SLTiPWin10RAllwoodJTerry.pdf
Returning to work is often a long-term goal for younger people who have had a stroke. Speech and language therapist Rebecca Allwood and occupational therapist Jane Terry work for a Community Stroke Team in Nottingham. Working with partners in other agencies, the team supports people to return to or undertake new activities, including paid or unpaid work if this appears to be realistic. This article focuses on Colin (63) who had a stroke shortly after being made redundant from his job as a welder. In the months following his stroke his aphasia improved and he returned to independent living. During a discussion around long-term goals, Colin expressed an interest in returning to work. Rebecca and Jane discuss how they worked with Colin to structure targets towards achieving this goal, and the support they provided to Colin, the Volunteer Agency and the Wheelbase charity. This included direct therapy, a communication profile, goal setting sessions and training. They also reflect on the benefits for all involved.
